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Aberrant Notch Signaling Pathway as a Potential Mechanism of Central Precocious Puberty. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063332. [PMID: 35328752 PMCID: PMC8950842 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Notch signaling pathway is highly conserved during evolution. It has been well documented that Notch signaling regulates cell proliferation, migration, and death in the nervous, cardiac, and endocrine systems. The Notch pathway is relatively simple, but its activity is regulated by numerous complex mechanisms. Ligands bind to Notch receptors, inducing their activation and cleavage. Various post-translational processes regulate Notch signaling by affecting the synthesis, secretion, activation, and degradation of Notch pathway-related proteins. Through such post-translational regulatory processes, Notch signaling has versatile effects in many tissues, including the hypothalamus. Recently, several studies have reported that mutations in genes related to the Notch signaling pathway were found in patients with central precocious puberty (CPP). CPP is characterized by the early activation of the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis. Although genetic factors play an important role in CPP development, few associated genetic variants have been identified. Aberrant Notch signaling may be associated with abnormal pubertal development. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge about the role of the Notch signaling pathway in puberty and consider the potential mechanisms underlying CPP.
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Abstract
Pubertal onset is a complex process, which is influenced by genetic and environmental factors, such as obesity and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. In addition, the timing of normal puberty varies between individuals and is a highly polygenic trait with both rare and common variants. Central precocious puberty (CPP) is defined as the early activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Genetic factors are suggested to account for 50% to 80% of the variation in puberty initiation, as indicated by the greater concordance of pubertal timing observed in monozygotic twins than in dizygotic twins. Although genetic factors play a crucial role in CPP development, only few associated genes have been identified. To date, four monogenic genes have been identified: KISS1, KISS1R, MKRN3, and DLK1. Moreover, mutation prevalence in these genes varies considerably depending on the ethnicity of patients with CPP. This article reviews the current knowledge on the normal pubertal timing and physiology and discusses the CPP-causing genes.
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Jeong HR, Yoon JS, Lee HJ, Shim YS, Kang MJ, Hwang IT. Serum level of NPTX1 is independent of serum MKRN3 in central precocious puberty. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2021; 34:59-63. [PMID: 33180049 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2020-0402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Makorin ring finger protein 3 (MKRN3) is associated with the initiation of puberty, and loss of function mutation of MKRN3 is the most common genetic cause of central precocious puberty (CPP). A recent study reported that MKRN3 interacts with and suppresses neural pentraxin-1 precursor (NPTX1) activity via polyubiquitination during early puberty in the mouse hypothalamus. This study investigated the correlation between serum NPTX1 and MKRN3 in CPP girls and predicted the potential role of NPTX1 in pubertal progression. METHODS In this case-control study, we examined 34 girls diagnosed with CPP and 34 healthy prepubertal girls. Anthropometric and hormonal parameters were measured and serum levels of NPTX1 and MKRN3 were evaluated with commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. RESULTS Serum MKRN3 level decreased significantly in CPP patients compared to controls (344.48 ± 333.77 and 1295.21 ± 780.80 pg/mL, respectively, p<0.001). Serum MKRN3 tended to decrease as Tanner breast stage increased. However, no significant difference was observed in serum NPTX1 levels between patients and controls (20.14 ± 31.75 ng/mL and 12.93 ± 8.28 ng/mL, respectively, p=0.248). The serum level of NPTX1 did not change significantly with the Tanner breast stage. Serum NPTX1 was correlated with the height standard deviation score (r=0.255; p<0.05), but was not correlated with serum MKRN3 level or the others. Conclusion: Although serum NPTX1 level was independent of serum MKRN3 level, the possibility they might be involved in the progression of puberty or CPP remains. Further research is needed to determine their role in the hypothalamus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwal Rim Jeong
- Department of Pediatrics, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Jong Seo Yoon
- Department of Pediatrics, Hallym University, College of Medicine, Gangdong-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye Jin Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Hallym University, College of Medicine, Gangdong-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yeong Suk Shim
- Department of Pediatrics, Hallym University, College of Medicine, Gangdong-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min Jae Kang
- Department of Pediatrics, Hallym University, College of Medicine, Gangdong-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Il Tae Hwang
- Department of Pediatrics, Hallym University, College of Medicine, Gangdong-gu, Seoul, Korea
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Lee HS, Jeong HR, Rho JG, Kum CD, Kim KH, Kim DW, Cheong JY, Jeong SY, Hwang JS. Identification of rare missense mutations in NOTCH2 and HERC2 associated with familial central precocious puberty via whole-exome sequencing. Gynecol Endocrinol 2020; 36:682-686. [PMID: 32400230 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2020.1760241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Genetic factors play a critical role in pubertal progression; however, mutations associated with central precocious puberty (CPP) have been reported only in four genes: KISS1, KISS1R, DLK1, and MKRN3. This study aimed to identify novel, potentially pathogenic variants in patients with familial CPP via whole-exome sequencing (WES).Methods: WES analysis was applied in 28 patients (25 girls and three boys) belonging to 14 families, wherein all siblings were diagnosed with CPP. Data analysis aimed to select only very rare variants (minor allele frequency <1%). Nonsense, splice-site, and frameshift variants were considered the most ideal candidate variants. Additionally, non-synonymous missense variants predicted as being deleterious using in silico analysis tools were further considered.Results: The analysis of exome sequencing data resulted in the identification of rare mutations in two promising candidate genes (NOTCH2 and HERC2) in a family. Siblings with CPP exhibited two heterozygous missense mutations (p. Leu15Phe in NOTCH2 and p. Arg4081His in HERC2). Moreover, their parents without history of CPP had a missense variant in either NOTCH2 or HERC2.Conclusions: We identified new candidate genes with potential roles in pubertal development. Digenic inheritance of the two genetic mutations associated with the Notch signaling pathway may have a synergistic effect resulting in CPP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae Sang Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwal Rim Jeong
- Department of Pediatrics, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Jung Gi Rho
- Department of Pediatrics, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Dae Kum
- Department of Pediatrics, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Hee Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Do Wan Kim
- Ajou Translational Omics Center, Ajou University Medical Center, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Youn Cheong
- Ajou Translational Omics Center, Ajou University Medical Center, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon-Yong Jeong
- Department of Medical Genetics, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ajou University Graduate School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Soon Hwang
- Department of Pediatrics, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
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Luo Y, Liu Q, Lei X, Wen Y, Yang YL, Zhang R, Hu MY. Association of estrogen receptor gene polymorphisms with human precocious puberty: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Gynecol Endocrinol 2015; 31:516-21. [PMID: 26036718 DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2015.1031102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to estimate the association between ESR1 polymorphisms (PvuII and XbaI) and ESR2 polymorphisms (RsaI and AluI) with precocious puberty. Relevant studies published before March 2014 were retrieved by a electronic search among nine databases. Meta-analysis of the pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was calculated. Four eligible case-control studies including 491 precocious puberty patients and 370 healthy controls were identified. Three studies reported ESR1 PvuII and XbaI polymorphism and one study reported ESR2 RsaI and AluI polymorphism. Increment of precocious puberty risk was associated with PvuII polymorphism in the heterosis model ((CT) versus TT: OR 1.42, 95% CI: 1.05-1.91, p = 0.02). Risk of precocious puberty was associated with XbaI polymorphism in the dominant model (GG + GA versus AA: OR 1.48, 95% CI: 1.11-1.97, p = 0.007) and the heterosis model (GA versus AA: OR 1.68, 95% CI: 1.23-2.29, p = 0.001). This meta-analysis suggests that ESR1 XbaI and PvuII polymorphisms are associated with precocious puberty susceptibility, and the relationship between ESR2 RsaI and AluI polymorphism with precocious puberty remains to be further investigated. Well-designed studies with large sample size among different polymorphisms and ethnicities are in urgent need to provide and update reliable data for comprehensive and definite conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Luo
- a School of Public Health and Management, Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Innovation Center for Social Risk Governance in Health, Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing , P.R. China
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Day FR, Perry JRB, Ong KK. Genetic Regulation of Puberty Timing in Humans. Neuroendocrinology 2015; 102:247-255. [PMID: 25968239 PMCID: PMC6309186 DOI: 10.1159/000431023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the regulation of puberty timing has relevance to developmental and human biology and to the pathogenesis of various diseases. Recent large-scale genome-wide association studies on puberty timing and adult height, body mass index (BMI) and central body shape provide evidence for shared biological mechanisms that regulate these traits. There is a substantial genetic overlap between age at menarche in women and BMI, with almost invariable directional consistency with the epidemiological associations between earlier menarche and higher BMI. By contrast, the genetic loci identified for age at menarche are largely distinct from those identified for central body shape, while alleles that confer earlier menarche can be associated with taller or shorter adult height. The findings of population-based studies on age at menarche show increasing relevance for other studies of rare monogenic disorders and enrich our understanding of the mechanisms that regulate the timing of puberty and reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix R Day
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
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Lee HS, Kim YJ, Shim YS, Jeong HR, Kwon E, Hwang JS. Associations between serum vitamin D levels and precocious puberty in girls. Ann Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2014; 19:91-5. [PMID: 25077092 PMCID: PMC4114046 DOI: 10.6065/apem.2014.19.2.91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Revised: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, obesity and autoimmune disease. However, data on the vitamin D status and its association with precocious puberty in girls are limited. We aimed to investigate the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and precocious puberty in girls. METHODS A total of 60 girls with central precocious puberty (CPP) and 30 control girls were enrolled. Anthropometric measurement and serum level of 25OHD were estimated for all subjects. RESULTS There was a significant difference in the mean serum 25OHD concentration between the precocious puberty group and the control group (17.1±4.5 ng/mL vs. 21.2±5.0 ng/mL, P<0.05). Forty-two of the 60 girls with CPP (70%) had vitamin D deficiency (defined as serum 25OHD<20 ng/mL) and 18 (30%) had vitamin D insufficiency. Of the 30 girls in the control group, vitamin D deficiency was seen in 13 subjects (43.3%), 15 subjects (50%) had vitamin D insufficiency, and 2 subjects (6.7%) had sufficient serum vitamin D (defined as serum 25OHD>30 ng/mL). Vitamin D deficient girls had a significantly higher odds ratio (OR, 3.05; 95% CI, 1.22-7.57, P=0.021). CONCLUSION These results showed that vitamin D levels may be associated with precocious puberty. Further studies are required to establish the potential effect of vitamin D status on puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae Sang Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Ajou University Hospital, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - You Jin Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Ajou University Hospital, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Young Seok Shim
- Department of Pediatrics, Ajou University Hospital, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Hwal Rim Jeong
- Department of Pediatrics, Ajou University Hospital, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Eunbyul Kwon
- Department of Pediatrics, Ajou University Hospital, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Jin Soon Hwang
- Department of Pediatrics, Ajou University Hospital, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
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Ellis BJ. The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis: a switch-controlled, condition-sensitive system in the regulation of life history strategies. Horm Behav 2013; 64:215-25. [PMID: 23998666 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2013.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2012] [Revised: 10/26/2012] [Accepted: 02/15/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
This article is part of a Special Issue "Puberty and Adolescence". Life history theory provides an overarching framework for explaining the development of individual differences in reproductive strategies and highlights the role of familial and ecological conditions in regulating pubertal timing. Parental investment and sexual selection models afford a powerful framework for explaining the emergence of sex differences in reproductive strategies and suggest that pubertal timing in males and females is differentially sensitive to psychosocial stress. The West-Eberhard's (2003) model of switch-controlled modular systems provides the foundation for a comprehensive analysis of variation in reproductive strategies at the level of mechanism and development. Applied to puberty, this model provides a framework for explaining how genes and environments interact over development, are modulated by extant phenotypic characteristics, and operate through control of regulatory switch mechanisms across multiple levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Taken together, life history theory, parental investment and sexual selection models, and the West-Eberhard framework enable an integrated evolutionary-developmental analysis of between-sex variation and within-sex variation in pubertal processes and their role in regulating alternative life history strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce J Ellis
- Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences, 650 N. Park Ave, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721-0078, USA.
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Teles MG, Silveira LFG, Tusset C, Latronico AC. New genetic factors implicated in human GnRH-dependent precocious puberty: the role of kisspeptin system. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2011; 346:84-90. [PMID: 21664234 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2011] [Accepted: 05/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Human puberty is triggered by the reemergence of GnRH pulsatile secretion with progressive activation of the gonadal function. A number of genes have been identified in the complex regulatory neuroendocrine network that controls puberty initiation. KISS1 and KISS1R genes, which encode kisspeptin and its cognate receptor, respectively, are considered crucial factors for acquisition of normal reproductive function. Recently, rare missense mutations and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the kisspeptin system were associated with puberty onset. Two gain-of-function mutations of the KISS1 and KISS1R genes were implicated in the pathogenesis of GnRH-dependent precocious puberty, previously considered idiopathic. These discoveries have yielded significant insights into the physiology and pathophysiology of this important life transition time. Here, we review the current molecular defects that are implicated in human GnRH-dependent precocious puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Gurgel Teles
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42 da Disciplina de Endocrinologia e Metabologia do Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Greives TJ, Long KL, Burns CMB, Demas GE. Response to exogenous kisspeptin varies according to sex and reproductive condition in Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2011; 170:172-9. [PMID: 20937279 PMCID: PMC3082704 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2010.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2010] [Revised: 09/28/2010] [Accepted: 10/04/2010] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Most animals experience marked changes in reproductive status across development that are regulated by changes in the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. The upstream mechanisms regulating this axis remain less well understood. The neuropeptide kisspeptin serves as a positive regulator of reproduction; the precise actions of kisspeptin on the HPG axis in animals of differing developmental and seasonal reproductive states, however, remain unresolved. Further, sex differences in response to kisspeptin have not been fully explored. In Experiment 1, we investigated whether sensitivity to a broad range of kisspeptin doses differed in adult male and female Siberian hamsters held on reproductively inhibitory or stimulatory photoperiods. In Experiment 2, we asked whether the response to kisspeptin differed across stages of reproductive development. Males and females displayed elevated luteinizing hormone (LH) in response to kisspeptin; however, the sexes differed in this response, with males showing greater LH responses to kisspeptin than females. Hamsters responded to kisspeptin across all stages of reproductive development, although the magnitude of this response differed between animals of differental ages and between the sexes. Males showed significant increases in LH at an earlier developmental age than females; females also showed blunted LH responses during early adulthood whereas males remained relatively constant in their response to kisspeptin. These findings suggest that reproductively active and inactive hamsters are responsive to kisspeptin, but that the sexes differ in their responsiveness. Collectively, these data provide further insight into the basic actions of kisspeptin in the regulation of reproduction and provide a potential mechanism for the regulation of differential reproductive responses between the sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gregory E. Demas
- Address Correspondence to: Gregory E. Demas, Department of Biology, Indiana University, 1001 E. 3 St., Bloomington, IN 47405, (812) 856-0158 - telephone, (812) 855-6705 – fax,
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Del Giudice M, Ellis BJ, Shirtcliff EA. The Adaptive Calibration Model of stress responsivity. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2010; 35:1562-92. [PMID: 21145350 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2010.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 802] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2010] [Revised: 11/15/2010] [Accepted: 11/18/2010] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents the Adaptive Calibration Model (ACM), an evolutionary-developmental theory of individual differences in the functioning of the stress response system. The stress response system has three main biological functions: (1) to coordinate the organism's allostatic response to physical and psychosocial challenges; (2) to encode and filter information about the organism's social and physical environment, mediating the organism's openness to environmental inputs; and (3) to regulate the organism's physiology and behavior in a broad range of fitness-relevant areas including defensive behaviors, competitive risk-taking, learning, attachment, affiliation and reproductive functioning. The information encoded by the system during development feeds back on the long-term calibration of the system itself, resulting in adaptive patterns of responsivity and individual differences in behavior. Drawing on evolutionary life history theory, we build a model of the development of stress responsivity across life stages, describe four prototypical responsivity patterns, and discuss the emergence and meaning of sex differences. The ACM extends the theory of biological sensitivity to context (BSC) and provides an integrative framework for future research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Del Giudice
- Center for Cognitive Science, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Po 14, 10123 Torino, Italy.
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Gajdos ZK, Henderson KD, Hirschhorn JN, Palmert MR. Genetic determinants of pubertal timing in the general population. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2010; 324:21-9. [PMID: 20144687 PMCID: PMC2891370 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2010.01.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2009] [Revised: 01/26/2010] [Accepted: 01/27/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Puberty is an important developmental stage during which reproductive capacity is attained. The timing of puberty varies greatly among healthy individuals in the general population and is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Although genetic variation is known to influence the normal spectrum of pubertal timing, the specific genes involved remain largely unknown. Genetic analyses have identified a number of genes responsible for rare disorders of pubertal timing such as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and Kallmann syndrome. Recently, the first loci with common variation reproducibly associated with population variation in the timing of puberty were identified at 6q21 in or near LIN28B and at 9q31.2. However, these two loci explain only a small fraction of the genetic contribution to population variation in pubertal timing, suggesting the need to continue to consider other loci and other types of variants. Here we provide an update of the genes implicated in disorders of puberty, discuss genes and pathways that may be involved in the timing of normal puberty, and suggest additional avenues of investigation to identify genetic regulators of puberty in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zofia K.Z. Gajdos
- Program in Genomics and Division of Endocrinology, Children’s Hospital. Boston, Massachusetts 02115; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115; Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142
| | - Katherine D. Henderson
- Department of Population Sciences, Division of Cancer Etiology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, California 91010
| | - Joel N. Hirschhorn
- Program in Genomics and Division of Endocrinology, Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115; Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115; Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142
| | - Mark R. Palmert
- Division of Endocrinology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Paediatrics, The University of Toronto, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X8, Canada, Phone: 416-813-6217, Fax: 416-813-6304
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Kauffman AS. Coming of age in the kisspeptin era: sex differences, development, and puberty. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2010; 324:51-63. [PMID: 20083160 PMCID: PMC2902563 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2010.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2009] [Revised: 01/11/2010] [Accepted: 01/11/2010] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The status of the neuroendocrine reproductive axis differs dramatically during various stages of development, and also differs in several critical ways between the sexes, including its earlier pubertal activation in females than males and the presence of neural circuitry that generates preovulatory hormone surges in females but not males. The reproductive axis is controlled by various hormonal and neural pathways that converge upon forebrain gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, and many of the critical age and sex differences in the reproductive axis likely reflect differences in the "upstream" circuits and factors that regulate the GnRH system. Recently, the neural kisspeptin system has been implicated as an important regulator of GnRH neurons. Here I discuss the evidence supporting a critical role of kisspeptin signaling at different stages of life, including early postnatal and pubertal development, as well as in adulthood, focusing primarily on information gleaned from mammalian studies. I also evaluate key aspects of sexual differentiation and development of the brain as it relates to the Kiss1 system, with special emphasis on rodents. In addition to discussing recent advances in the field of kisspeptin biology, this paper will highlight a number of unanswered questions and future challenges for kisspeptin investigators, and will stress the importance of studying the kisspeptin system in both males and females, as well as in multiple species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander S Kauffman
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Reproductive Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States.
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Chan YM, Fenoglio-Simeone KA, Paraschos S, Muhammad L, Troester MM, Ng YT, Johnsonbaugh RE, Coons SW, Prenger EC, Kerrigan JF, Seminara SB. Central precocious puberty due to hypothalamic hamartomas correlates with anatomic features but not with expression of GnRH, TGFalpha, or KISS1. Horm Res Paediatr 2010; 73:312-9. [PMID: 20389100 PMCID: PMC2868525 DOI: 10.1159/000308162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2009] [Accepted: 06/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Hypothalamic hamartomas are the most common identifiable cause of central precocious puberty (CPP). Hamartoma characteristics proposed to be associated with CPP include specific anatomic features and expression of molecules such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), transforming growth factor alpha (TGFalpha), and GRM1A, which encodes the type 1 metabotropic glutamate receptor alpha isoform. We sought to determine whether hamartomas that cause CPP could be distinguished by anatomic features, expression of these molecules, or expression of KISS1, whose products signal through the receptor GPR54 to stimulate GnRH release. METHODS Clinical records and radiologic images were reviewed for 18 patients who underwent hamartoma resection for intractable seizures; 7 had precocious puberty. Resected tissue was examined for expression of GnRH, GnRH receptor (GnRHR), TGFalpha, KISS1, GPR54, and GRM1A. RESULTS Hypothalamic hamartomas associated with CPP were more likely to contact the infundibulum or tuber cinereum and were larger than hamartomas not associated with CPP. GnRH, TGFalpha, and GnRHR were expressed by all hamartomas studied. Expression of KISS1, GPR54, and GRM1A did not differ significantly between hamartomas associated and not associated with CPP. CONCLUSION Anatomic features rather than expression patterns of candidate molecules distinguish hypothalamic hamartomas that are associated with CPP from those that are not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yee-Ming Chan
- Harvard Reproductive Sciences Center and Reproductive Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Kristina A. Fenoglio-Simeone
- Divisions of Neurology and Pediatric Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute and Children's Health Center, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Ariz., USA
| | - Sophia Paraschos
- Harvard Reproductive Sciences Center and Reproductive Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Boston, Boston, Mass., USA
| | - Laura Muhammad
- Divisions of Neurology and Pediatric Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute and Children's Health Center, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Ariz., USA
| | - Matthew M. Troester
- Divisions of Neurology and Pediatric Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute and Children's Health Center, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Ariz., USA
| | - Yu-tze Ng
- Divisions of Neurology and Pediatric Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute and Children's Health Center, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Ariz., USA
| | | | | | - Erin C. Prenger
- Neuroimaging, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Ariz., USA
| | - John F. Kerrigan
- Divisions of Neurology and Pediatric Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute and Children's Health Center, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Ariz., USA
| | - Stephanie B. Seminara
- Harvard Reproductive Sciences Center and Reproductive Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Boston, Boston, Mass., USA
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15
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Kauffman AS, Navarro VM, Kim J, Clifton DK, Steiner RA. Sex differences in the regulation of Kiss1/NKB neurons in juvenile mice: implications for the timing of puberty. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2009; 297:E1212-21. [PMID: 19755669 PMCID: PMC2781353 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00461.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, puberty onset typically occurs earlier in females than in males, but the explanation for sexual differentiation in the tempo of pubertal development is unknown. Puberty in both sexes is a brain-dependent phenomenon and involves alterations in the sensitivity of neuronal circuits to gonadal steroid feedback as well as gonadal hormone-independent changes in neuronal circuitry. Kisspeptin, encoded by the Kiss1 gene, plays an essential but ill-defined role in pubertal maturation. Neurokinin B (NKB) is coexpressed with Kiss1 in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and is also important for puberty. We tested whether sex differences in the timing of pubertal development are attributable to sexual differentiation of gonadal hormone-independent mechanisms regulating hypothalamic Kiss1/NKB gene expression. We found that, in juvenile females, gonadotropin secretion and expression of Kiss1 and NKB in the ARC increased immediately following ovariectomy, suggesting that prepubertal females have negligible gonadal hormone-independent restraint on their reproductive axis. In contrast, in similarly aged juvenile males, no changes occurred in LH levels or Kiss1 or NKB expression following castration, suggesting that gonadal hormone-independent mechanisms restrain kisspeptin/NKB-dependent activation of the male reproductive axis before puberty. Notably, adult mice of both sexes showed comparable rapid increases in Kiss1/NKB expression and LH secretion following gonadectomy, signifying that sex differences in the regulation of ARC Kiss1/NKB neurons are manifest only during peripubertal development. Our findings demonstrate that the mechanisms controlling pubertal activation of reproduction in mice are different between the sexes and suggest that gonadal hormone-independent central restraint on pubertal timing involves Kiss1/NKB neurons in the ARC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander S Kauffman
- Dept. of Reproductive Medicine, Leichtag Bldg., Rm. 3A-15, Univ. of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, no. 0674, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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16
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Topaloglu AK, Reimann F, Guclu M, Yalin AS, Kotan LD, Porter KM, Serin A, Mungan NO, Cook JR, Imamoglu S, Akalin NS, Yuksel B, O'Rahilly S, Semple RK. TAC3 and TACR3 mutations in familial hypogonadotropic hypogonadism reveal a key role for Neurokinin B in the central control of reproduction. Nat Genet 2009; 41:354-358. [PMID: 19079066 PMCID: PMC4312696 DOI: 10.1038/ng.306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 604] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2008] [Accepted: 12/03/2008] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The timely secretion of gonadal sex steroids is essential for the initiation of puberty, the postpubertal maintenance of secondary sexual characteristics and the normal perinatal development of male external genitalia. Normal gonadal steroid production requires the actions of the pituitary-derived gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. We report four human pedigrees with severe congenital gonadotropin deficiency and pubertal failure in which all affected individuals are homozygous for loss-of-function mutations in TAC3 (encoding Neurokinin B) or its receptor TACR3 (encoding NK3R). Neurokinin B, a member of the substance P-related tachykinin family, is known to be highly expressed in hypothalamic neurons that also express kisspeptin, a recently identified regulator of gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion. These findings implicate Neurokinin B as a critical central regulator of human gonadal function and suggest new approaches to the pharmacological control of human reproduction and sex hormone-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kemal Topaloglu
- Cukurova University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism, Balcali, Adana, TURKEY
| | - Frank Reimann
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research and Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Metin Guclu
- Uludag University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Bursa, TURKEY
| | - Ayse Serap Yalin
- Marmara University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Istanbul, TURKEY
| | - L Damla Kotan
- Cukurova University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine, Balcali, Adana, TURKEY
| | - Keith M Porter
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Ayse Serin
- Cukurova University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine, Balcali, Adana, TURKEY
| | - Neslihan O Mungan
- Cukurova University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism, Balcali, Adana, TURKEY
| | - Joshua R Cook
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Sazi Imamoglu
- Uludag University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Bursa, TURKEY
| | - N Sema Akalin
- Marmara University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Istanbul, TURKEY
| | - Bilgin Yuksel
- Cukurova University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism, Balcali, Adana, TURKEY
| | - Stephen O'Rahilly
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Robert K Semple
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
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17
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Gajdos ZK, Hirschhorn JN, Palmert MR. What controls the timing of puberty? An update on progress from genetic investigation. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2009; 16:16-24. [PMID: 19104234 DOI: 10.1097/med.0b013e328320253c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Puberty is an important developmental stage during which reproductive capacity is attained. Genetic and environmental factors both influence the timing of puberty, which varies greatly among individuals. However, although genetic variation is known to influence the normal spectrum of pubertal timing, the specific genes involved remain unknown. RECENT FINDINGS Recent genetic analyses have identified a number of genes responsible for rare disorders of pubertal timing such as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and Kallmann syndrome. However, although the genetic basis of population variation in the timing of puberty is an active area of investigation, no genetic loci have been reproducibly associated with pubertal timing thus far. SUMMARY This review provides an update of the genes implicated in disorders of puberty, discusses genes and pathways that may be involved in the timing of normal puberty, and suggests additional avenues of investigation to identify genetic regulators of puberty in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zofia Kz Gajdos
- Division of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital, Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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18
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Gajdos ZKZ, Butler JL, Henderson KD, He C, Supelak PJ, Egyud M, Price A, Reich D, Clayton PE, Le Marchand L, Hunter DJ, Henderson BE, Palmert MR, Hirschhorn JN. Association studies of common variants in 10 hypogonadotropic hypogonadism genes with age at menarche. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2008; 93:4290-8. [PMID: 18728166 PMCID: PMC2582573 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2008-0981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Although the timing of puberty is a highly heritable trait, little is known about the genes that regulate pubertal timing in the general population. Several genes have been identified that, when mutated, cause disorders of delayed or absent puberty such as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH). OBJECTIVE Because severe variants in HH-related genes cause a severe puberty phenotype, we hypothesized that common subtle variation in these genes could contribute to the population variation in pubertal timing. DESIGN We assessed common genetic variation in 10 HH-related genes in 1801 women from the Hawaii and Los Angeles Multiethnic Cohort with either early (age<11 yr) or late (age>14 yr) menarche and in other replication samples. In addition to these common variants, we also studied the most frequently reported HH mutations to assess their role in the population variation in pubertal timing. SETTING AND PATIENTS/OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Within the general community, 1801 women from the Hawaii and Los Angeles Multiethnic Cohort participated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We assessed the association of genetic variation with age at menarche. RESULTS We found no significant association between any of the variants tested and age at menarche, although we cannot rule out modest effects of these variants or of other variants at long distances from the coding region. In several self-reported racial/ethnic groups represented in our study, we observed an association between estimated genetic ancestry and age at menarche. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that common variants near 10 HH-related loci do not play a substantial role in the regulation of age at menarche in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zofia K Z Gajdos
- Program in Genomics and Division of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital, and Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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19
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Zhu JL, Basso O, Obel C, Bech BH, Nohr EA, Shrestha A, Olsen J. Parental infertility and sexual maturation in children. Hum Reprod 2008; 24:445-50. [PMID: 18840889 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/den366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The reproductive health of children born of infertile couples may be affected by infertility treatment or factors associated with infertility. We examined sexual maturation in children of parents with infertility. METHODS We used data from a follow-up of 3382 girls and 2810 boys born between 1984 and 1987 in the Aalborg-Odense Birth Cohort. We had mothers' report of time to pregnancy (TTP) and infertility treatment (at the time, mostly hormonal) from the pregnancy questionnaire administered in 1984-1987, and the children's report of their own sexual maturation from the follow-up questionnaire administered in 2005, when they were between 18 and 21 years old. Many reported age only in year when they had the events related to sexual maturation, and for each event, we imputed the month based on the median month at each year of age among those reporting both years and months. RESULTS In girls, the mean age at menarche was 13.3 years and, in boys, the mean age at appearance of acne, voice break, regular shaving and first nocturnal emission were 14.5, 14.5, 17.2 and 14.7 years, respectively. We saw no significant differences in age at these events among children born of either fertile (with TTP of 0-12 months and no treatment), untreated infertile (with TTP of more than 12 months and no treatment) or treated infertile couples (with a history of examination or treatment for infertility). CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest no significant association between parental infertility or hormonal treatment and timing of sexual maturation in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Liang Zhu
- The Danish Epidemiology Science Centre, Department of Epidemiology, Institute of Public Health, University of Aarhus, Vennelyst Boulevard 6, DK 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
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